Metal Inside(r) Home Quarantine is Metal Insider’s new column during this time of isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We asked artists five questions on what’s been keeping them busy ranging from their favorite movies, food they’ve been eating, music they’ve been listening to and more. We caught up with Irata’s Jason Ward as he’s been spending this time enjoying his home.

What have you been doing to pass time during Quarantine?

The main thing I have been doing is enjoying my home! It has been especially nice and a bit relaxing to not have anywhere to go. I am sure this will run its course over due time but right now I am enjoying it! We have planted a garden and completed some landscaping! We are waiting on some chickens to arrive to occupy our used but new chicken house. Some other things that are keeping me busy are playing with my children and helping them get through online school, working from home, playing drums, piano and guitar, riding bikes!  All the normal stuff! 

Have you been listening to any music or have any playlists worth checking out? 

I have been on a Jane’s Addiction kick lately, a couple weeks ago a buddy of ours posted live footage of “Summertime Rolls” from a 1990 concert and it has been stuck in my head ever since. For something different, last night, Owen, our guitar player sent a couple videos from KEXP of the bands Young Fathers and Tune Yards. Check them out! And always on my list are Helms Alee and Torche!  

A lot of people have been spending this time cooking including making their own bread, what food have you been prepping during this time?

I do love to cook. I have been watching a lot of Marion Grasby videos, so I definitely like the Asian style cuisine. I tend to make a lot of smoothies and soups also. Today I am in the mood to make a nice Rojo Pozole. I’ll need to find some hominy! 

In terms of entertainment, what movies, TV shows, books, or games have been keeping you busy?

Tv/Netflix:  Survivor  / Ozark! Book “Culture by Design “ by David Friedman and “A Column of Fire” by Ken Follet. Games: Monopoly!  

What advice do you have for your fans in isolation during this time?   

Choose to be thankful and grateful! Thank you for the questions and including us in your thoughts!